'I don't want to go to school' - Stephanie Blake

'I don't want to go to school!' - Stephanie Blake

"Once upon a time, there was a mischievous little rabbit.  Maybe you know him.  When his mother said: "Tomorrow is your first day of school, little rabbit."  He replied: "I'm not going!" - Gecko Press

Simon is back!  We were all v. excited about this one!  Simon is def our favourite cheeky little bunny, and this Simon-story is an insta-classic in our household.  The school-years are edging in on us, so this was a timely addition to our shelves, though of course, the story itself is applicable to all sorts of situations.  Generally speaking, little ones tend to find it difficult to adapt to big changes, and sometimes it can be so helpful to have the support of just the right text, for those: "remember when Simon didn't want to go to school?" conversations.

Do you reckon Simon liked school once he got there?  Well, no, not immediately, but that's half the charm (and hilarity) of this book. Of course, humorous children's books are always the most fun to read, and Gecko Press seem to hold the market for funny, quirky, adorable kid's books.  Stephanie Blake has a very sweet sense of humour, making this a treat of a read.  And we've tested this book on various visiting adults - verdict?  Funny.

If you want to get your hands on 'I don't want to go to school' by Stephanie Blake, check out your local bookstore or purchase via the Gecko Press website.  There are three other 'little rabbit' books to collect (we neeeeed the first two), so keep an eye out for those, too.  Thanks again, Gecko Press, for this super adorb review copy x

'Where is Rusty?' - Sieb Posthuma

Some beautiful books recently arrived from Gecko Press.  Oh happy day!  We felt like Christmas had come early (yes, all of us - we are the Gecko-Press-Appreciation-Society 'round here).  First up (and released this month!):

'Where is Rusty?' - Sieb Posthuma

"A Sweet picture book about a curious young dog who gets lost in a big department store." - Gecko Press.

Rusty is inquisitive, and when he suddenly realises he's in a tight spot, he panics and does the very worst thing.  This was so me when I was little!  Oh, sweet little Rusty, I would've been afraid of those watchdogs too!   The tale is relatable (for me, certainly) and the illustrations are humorous and fun.  There are loads of little details to pick out in this dog-centric word of Posthuma's creating.  The story is playful, and supplies an opportunity to discuss the importance of personal safety (and how we maintain that).  Very useful for our little bunnies, who visit the mall very rarely, and when they do...

Sieb Posthuma is a Dutch author/illustrator, who based this cute character on his own pup, Rintje, super cute!   'Where is Rusty' is published by Gecko Press, and is available now at $19.99NZD.  

My thanks to Gecko Press for the review copy of this sweet tail < har har.

'The Lazy Friend' - Ronan Badel (AKA best, best, best book!)

'The Lazy Friend' by Ronan Badel.  Oh, my, my.  Have you had the pleasure of reading this book? I don't even know if there are words enough to describe how much we love it.

As Eleanor told her papa, "there's no words in this book, you just see what's happening in the pictures." Already we have had so many retellings, and only the first few were given by Zan or myself. The story is sooooo delicious! An adventure, yes!  Filled with twists and turns and unexpected outcomes. But so, so much more. A story of friendship, so darn touching, I actually teared up a little bit the first time we read it.

The illustrations in 'The Lazy Friend' are perfection, with foreshadowing, gorgeous expressions, and little details that make these kinds of books so fun. I for one, fell head over heals for this adorable little group of friends. The snake, oh the brave snake *sniff sniff*, what an emblem for loyal friendship. Such tender moments, especially that pivotal point where the parrot and frog watch their friends disappear into the jungle.  Waaaaaah!  Tears.  And this picture below?  Makes me want to dive into this book world and join their gang.  FOR REALS!

Sometimes you find a children's book that fits every criteria for instant-classic-never-to-be-parted-with-I-will-read-this-to-my-grandbabies, and for me, this is it.  There are only a handful of kid's books that I love this much, that thank you, Mr Badel, your inspiration equals our delight.

And from another Gecko favourite, we have discovered an artist model:

Thank you Gecko Press for providing us with a review copies of these delicious books!